endocrine

#Hormones

Oestrogen

February 25, 2024February 25, 2024 By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts Oestrogen is one of the main female sex hormones. It is needed for puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, bone strength and other functions of the body. Oestrogen levels vary throughout the menstrual cycle and fall after menopause. Having too much oestrogen can increase your risk of blood clots and stroke. Having too little oestrogen can increase your risk of weak bones and menopause symptoms. Some medicines contain oestrogen, such as the combined oral contraceptive pill and some types of menopause treatment. High levels of oestrogen can increase your risk of breast cancer, however the added risk from taking

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#Hormones #T

Thyroid gland

February 8, 2024February 25, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Your thyroid is a small, bow-shaped gland that sits in the front of your neck. Your thyroid gland makes 3 thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) and calcitonin. Thyroid problems, such as an overactive or underactive thyroid, are common. What is the thyroid gland? Your thyroid is a small, bow-shaped gland. It sits in the front of your neck, just below your Adam’s apple. What does my thyroid gland do? Your thyroid gland makes 3 hormones: thyroxine (T4) triiodothyronine (T3) calcitonin Thyroxine (T4) is the main hormone made in your thyroid. Thyroxine is changed into triiodothyronine (the active thyroid

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#Hormones #T

testosterone

February 7, 2024February 25, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Testosterone is a hormone that regulates sex drive and bone strength, and helps make sperm. Testosterone levels vary greatly depending on your sex, age and health. Low testosterone levels can be due to a problem with your testes or pituitary gland, obesity, some health conditions or the normal process of ageing. If your testosterone levels are low, you may notice changes in your sex drive, erections, mood, sleep, energy levels and muscle strength. You may need testosterone replacement therapy to increase your testosterone levels. Living a healthy lifestyle can also help. What is testosterone? Testosterone is a sex

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#Endocrine disorders and diseases #Genetic disorders #Growth disorders #T #Women's health

Turner syndrome

January 14, 2024February 17, 2024 By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

What is Turner syndrome? Turner syndrome is a genetic disorder affecting some females. It might cause problems with hearing, vision and fertility. It does not usually affect intellectual ability. Treatment with hormones can help manage some of the problems. Turner syndrome is a genetic disorder. This means there has been a change in the person’s DNA. Normally, a female has two X chromosomes in each cell. Turner syndrome happens when all or part of one of these X chromosomes is missing. The change in DNA can affect the child’s development. Turner syndrome affects about 1 in every 2,500 females born

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#D #Endocrine disorders and diseases

Diabetes

January 14, 2024January 14, 2024 By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts Diabetes mellitus, more commonly known simply as diabetes, refers to a group of diseases that can cause high levels of glucose (a type of sugar) in your blood. Diabetes happens when your pancreas can’t produce enough of the hormone insulin or your body becomes resistant to it. Symptoms of diabetes are feeling tired, hungry or excessively thirsty, and passing more urine (wee) than usual. Common diabetic conditions are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes and pre-diabetes. You can manage diabetes by taking medicines to manage your blood glucose levels, adopting a healthy diet and being physically

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#Endocrine disorders and diseases #P #Women's health

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

January 6, 2024February 10, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects up to 1 in 10 females in their reproductive years. It may cause disruptions to the menstrual cycle, skin and hair changes, cysts on the ovaries and infertility. PCOS can cause a wide range of symptoms including excessive hair growth, menstrual irregularities and acne. PCOS increases your risk of other medical problems including high blood pressure and diabetes. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following your doctor’s recommendations can help you manage the symptoms of PCOS and reduce your chance of complications. What is PCOS? Polycystic ovarian

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#Hormones #P

Pituitary gland

January 6, 2024February 25, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Your pituitary gland is found at the base of your brain. The pituitary gland makes many different hormones. Some of the hormones made in your pituitary gland signal other glands in your body, telling them to make hormones. What is the pituitary gland? The pituitary is a small, pea-sized gland. It is found at the base of your brain, in line with the top of your nose. Your pituitary acts as your body’s ‘master gland’. It tells other glands in your body what to do. What does my pituitary gland do? The pituitary gland is an important part

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#Hormones #P

Parathyroid glands

December 31, 2023February 25, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts The parathyroid glands are 4 small glands found in your neck. Your parathyroid glands make parathyroid hormone, which manages your blood calcium level. Hyperparathyroidism is a condition where too much parathyroid hormone is made. Hypoparathyroidism is a condition where too little parathyroid hormone is made. What are my parathyroid glands? Your parathyroid glands are 4 small glands, that are each about the size of a grain of rice. There are usually 2 parathyroid glands on each side of your neck. They sit behind another gland called the thyroid gland. Illustration showing the parathyroid glands. Illustration showing the parathyroid glands.

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#Hormones #P

Pancreas

December 31, 2023February 25, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts The pancreas is a small, thin organ that lies behind the stomach and under the liver. The pancreas is a vital organ with two crucial roles — helping the body digest food and making hormones that control blood sugar levels. Common diseases that can affect the pancreas include diabetes, pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis. The pancreas is a thin, 15 cm long organ that lies behind the stomach and under the liver. It is a vital organ with two crucial roles — helping the body to digest food and making hormones that control blood sugar levels.

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#Hormones #O

Oxytocin

December 30, 2023February 25, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Oxytocin is a chemical messenger from the brain that acts in different areas of the body. Oxytocin is important in childbirth and breastfeeding — it also plays a role in how you form emotional bonds with others. Oxytocin is important in making the womb contract in labour and is sometimes used as a medicine for this purpose. It is also given to help birth the placenta and prevent or treat heavy bleeding after childbirth. In males, oxytocin is involved in making testosterone and the movement of sperm. What is oxytocin? Oxytocin is a natural hormone made in the

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#Hormones #M

Melatonin

December 21, 2023February 25, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Melatonin is naturally produced in the brain and can help control your sleep cycle. Melatonin levels increase when it is dark and are lower when you are exposed to light. Melatonin is one way to help you control your sleep cycle, but if you are having trouble sleeping there may be other causes or treatments available. Melatonin can also be prescribed as a medicine for some people, and is available over the counter for people aged over 55 years. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you on whether melatonin is right for you. What is melatonin? Melatonin is

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#Hormones #I

Insulin and diabetes

December 11, 2023February 25, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Insulin is a hormone that is produced by your body to break down glucose (sugar) from the food you eat, so it can be used for energy. If you have diabetes, your body can’t produce enough insulin, or use it effectively, to break down the glucose in your body and turn it into energy. All people with type 1 diabetes and some people with type 2 diabetes need regular insulin replacement to keep their blood glucose (blood sugar) level under control. Insulin needs to be stored and used correctly to be safe and effective. Taking too little or

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#Endocrine disorders and diseases #H #Metabolic diseases

Hypothyroidism

December 10, 2023March 8, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) occurs when the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms vary, but can include fatigue, weight gain, heavy periods or sensitivity to the cold. The most common cause of hypothyroidism in Australia is the autoimmune disease, Hashimoto’s disease. Your doctor will diagnose hypothyroidism after referring you for a blood test. Hypothyroidism is often treated with a synthetic version of the hormone thyroxine. What is hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)? Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is a medical condition where the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone for normal body function. The thyroid gland is located in the

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#Endocrine disorders and diseases #H #Metabolic diseases

Hyperthyroidism

December 9, 2023March 8, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts The thyroid is a gland in the neck, near the base of the throat, that helps control some of your body’s metabolic processes. Hyperthyroidism (sometimes called thyrotoxicosis or overactive thyroid) is when your thyroid gland is overactive. The most common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are feeling anxious or nervous, being unable to tolerate heat, having heart palpitations, feeling tired and losing weight. To diagnose hyperthyroidism, your doctor will examine you and send you for a blood test to measure the levels of your thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism can be treated with medications, radioactive iodine therapy or surgery. What is my

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#H #Hormones

Human growth hormone

December 9, 2023February 25, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Human growth hormone (HGH) is made in your brain. HGH is important in childhood growth. HGH is used to treat children who aren’t growing as expected. The use of HGH prescribed by a doctor is generally safe. What is human growth hormone? Human growth hormone (HGH) is a small protein. It is made in part of the brain called the pituitary gland. It travels in your bloodstream all over your body to make your body grow. HGH is very important in the body. It is needed for children to grow normally. It helps make sure there is enough muscle and fat

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#H #Hormones

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

December 9, 2023February 25, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts HRT, also known as MHT, includes hormonal medicines used to treat menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes and night sweats. Different forms are available including tablets, creams, patches and intrauterine devices (IUDs). HRT can also cause side effects such as nausea, headache and breast tenderness. The relationship between HRT and breast cancer is complicated and there is evidence to support that some types reduce risk while others increase risk. Taking HRT is a personal decision — ask your doctor about the risks and benefits so you can decide that’s right for you. What is MHT/HRT? Menopausal hormonal therapy

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#H #Hormones

Hormonal medicines and periods

December 9, 2023February 25, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

A period (menstruation) is bleeding from the vagina that happens once a month. A period is part of your menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones. Hormones make the lining of your uterus become thicker. This gets the body ready in case you become pregnant Hormones also cause an egg to be released from an ovary, which is known as ovulation. Some forms of hormonal contraception (for example the oral contraceptive pill, hormonal IUD, implant or injection) may affect your periods. They may affect how often you get your period and/or the flow. The pill Usually, oral contraceptive pills (the pill) will make your periods lighter. You may

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#Endocrine disorders and diseases #H #Metabolic diseases

Hashimoto’s disease

December 4, 2023March 8, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

What is Hashimoto’s disease? Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune condition. In Hashimoto’s disease, your body’s immune system attacks your thyroid gland, preventing it from producing enough thyroid hormone. In rare cases, Hashimoto’s disease can cause you to produce too much thyroid hormone. Your thyroid gland is a bow-shaped gland near the base of your throat. This gland produces thyroid hormones. These hormones influence important body processes such as body temperature, energy levels and growth. Thyroid hormones are important for your metabolism. Low thyroid hormone levels may cause a range of symptoms, such as tiredness, weight gain and intolerance to cold temperatures. What are the symptoms of

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#Hormones #Human anatomy for public knowledge

Hormonal system

December 3, 2023February 25, 2024 By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts The hormonal system, also called the endocrine system, is a network of glands and organs in the body that produce hormones. Hormones regulate all the cells in your body, controlling your body’s metabolism, growth and many other functions. Some examples of hormones in this system include growth hormone, insulin, thyroxine, testosterone, cortisol, oestrogen and progesterone. When a hormone is released from a gland, it travels in the blood through the body until it reaches its target. Medical conditions that affect the hormone system include diabetes, thyroid problems and Cushing’s disease. What is the hormonal system? The hormonal system,

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#Endocrine disorders and diseases #G

Graves’ disease

December 2, 2023January 14, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Graves’ disease, the most common cause of an overactive thyroid, is an autoimmune disease most common in females aged 20 to 40 years. Your symptoms may include anxiety, irritability, a racing heart, feeling hot, sweating and tremor. You may have bulging eyes and an enlarged thyroid gland (goitre) in your neck. Your doctor can diagnose Graves’ disease with blood tests and treat you with medications and sometimes surgery. What is Graves’ disease? Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease (immune system disorder), that causes your thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone. This happens because your body’s immune system produces

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#Endocrine disorders and diseases #G #Growth disorders

Gigantism

November 30, 2023February 17, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

What is gigantism? Gigantism is a very rare condition. It causes children to grow faster than normal and grow very tall. There is treatment for gigantism. Some affected children may still have symptoms after treatment. They need regular check-ups with their doctor as they grow. What are the symptoms of gigantism? Gigantism can appear in a child of any age, from baby to teenager. The main symptom is faster than normal growth. This means that your child will be unusually tall for their age. They can also have: a large head a very noticeable forehead a jaw that seems to

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#Endocrine disorders and diseases #G #Pregnancy

Gestational diabetes

November 30, 2023February 10, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that starts during pregnancy. Diabetes is a condition caused by too much glucose (sugar) in the blood stream. If you’re pregnant, it’s recommended that you have routine screening for gestational diabetes between week 24 and 28. Treatment for gestational diabetes usually involves monitoring your blood sugar levels, changing your diet and may involve taking medicines including insulin. Having gestational diabetes makes you more likely to develop type 2 diabetes in the future. What is gestational diabetes? Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that starts during pregnancy. It is different

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#F #Hormones

Follicle stimulating hormone

November 27, 2023February 25, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

What is follicle stimulating hormone? Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is a hormone in the human body. It is made by your pituitary gland, which is in your brain. What is the role of follicle stimulating hormone? FSH is an important hormone for the reproductive system in both males and females. It plays a role in sexual development and functioning. What does FSH do in females? In females, FSH and another hormone called luteinising hormone (LH) help control the menstrual cycle (periods). FSH helps with ovulation — when an egg is released each month by the ovaries. The amount of FSH

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#C #Hormones

Cortisol

November 14, 2023February 25, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Cortisol is a hormone naturally released from your adrenal glands with many essential functions for your health. Your cortisol levels normally increase at times of stress. You can have health problems if you produce too much or too little cortisol. Corticosteroids are synthetic versions of cortisol, and if you have certain health conditions, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids for you. Anabolic steroids are different to corticosteroids. Taking anabolic steroids without a doctor’s prescription is risky, and not recommended. The role of cortisol in the body What is cortisol? Cortisol is a steroid hormone that is produced by your

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#C #Endocrine disorders and diseases #Genetic disorders

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

November 13, 2023February 16, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

What is congenital adrenal hyperplasia? Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or CAH, is an inherited group of conditions that affects the adrenal glands. These glands, which sit above the kidneys, make hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone (which helps to regulate salt levels in the body) and androgens (male sex hormones). In many cases, a person who has CAH makes too many androgens and not enough cortisol and aldosterone. CAH can affect a child’s normal growth and development, including normal growth of the genitals. What are the types of congenital adrenal hyperplasia? There are 2 main types of CAH. Classic CAH is the more severe form and

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#A #Endocrine disorders and diseases

Adrenal fatigue

September 11, 2023January 14, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Adrenal fatigue is a term used to explain a condition caused by chronic (long-term) exposure to stressful situations. Adrenal fatigue is not currently an accepted medical diagnosis. It’s important to check with your doctor that there isn’t another cause for your tiredness. What is adrenal fatigue? Adrenal fatigue is a term used by alternative health practitioners to explain tiredness and other symptoms which are thought to be due to chronic (long-term) exposure to stressful situations. However, it currently is not a recognised medical diagnosis. Many studies have failed to prove that adrenal fatigue is a medical condition. Adrenal

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#A #Endocrine disorders and diseases

Addison’s disease

September 11, 2023January 14, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

What is Addison’s disease? Addison’s disease is a rare condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone (both corticosteroids). Addison’s disease is also known as primary adrenal insufficiency. Secondary adrenal insufficiency occurs when the pituitary gland in the brain does not release enough of the hormone that stimulates the adrenal gland to release cortisol. Addison’s disease can make people feel weak and tired, but it can also be effectively treated with hormones to replace those that are missing. What are the symptoms of Addison’s disease? Addison’s disease develops slowly, usually over months. The

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#A #Endocrine disorders and diseases

Acromegaly

September 11, 2023January 14, 2024 By Sama Mohamed

What is acromegaly? Acromegaly is a rare disorder that affects adults and is caused by overproduction of growth hormone. Growth hormone (also called human growth hormone, GH or HGH) controls the normal growth of the body’s tissues, organs and bones, as well as helping control its metabolism. A similar condition, known as gigantism, can occur in children and can make them grow very tall. Adults with too much growth hormone don’t grow exceptionally tall because once they have gone through puberty, their long bones don’t grow any longer. What are the symptoms of acromegaly? The main signs of acromegaly are: changes to

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